YEAR 9 ENGLISH – TERM 2 2020

Literature Essay Writing (Novel, Film, Drama, Short Texts), Here I will focus on interpretation of questions, planning strategies, structuring essay topic sentences and paragraphs, developing ideas, creating fluency in your arguments, weaving in quotations and supporting details. This study unit will be based on the novel “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck and the film “Mean Creek”.

Understanding the writer’s craft and ways in which effects are created will be highlighted. Also, the ways in which themes, ideas, setting, character and mood are developed will be examined in detail.

Formal and Creative Writing This aspect will focus on original and imaginative interpretations of the given topics, as well as structuring effective introductions, body paragraphs and conclusions. Attention will be devoted to how language is used for effect. Sentence construction, appropriate vocabulary and tone, development of character, setting, ideas and tone, amongst others, will also be dealt with. Students often have trouble translating thoughts and ideas into words and in blending style and clarity at more sophisticated levels, exhibiting their literary and general knowledge. I will certainly help with this.

Comprehension/ Close Analysis of Unfamiliar Texts I will provide strategies and practice in close reading and understanding of various texts types. Interpretation of questions, comprehension of ideas, vocabulary, identification of language techniques and discussion of their effects, the writer’s craft, insights and the ability to provide supporting details will be focused on.

General Grammar There will be a focus on vocabulary development, sentence fluency, comma splices, run-ons, verb tense consistency, punctuation, article use, commonly confused words, parts of speech and figures of speech, amongst others. Attention will be focused largely on improving writing techniques.

Speech Students will read, watch and examine great speeches to become familiar with techniques used and their effects. They will at, the end of the unit, be expected to deliver a speech on a given topic which will be evaluated by their peer.

Static Image Students will be study examples of good static images and advertisements with a view to understanding the techniques used. They will then develop ideas and produce finished images on a given topic for assessment.

NOTE: Each lesson, the student will be issued with a workbook of approximately 14 pages (free), in which he will complete classwork and homework on a variety of tasks. Each student will also be issued the novel “The Pearl” by John Steinbeck (free), and be assigned reading and writing tasks on it. Ultimately, this book is what their essay writing techniques and skills will be based on. All of their stationery must be brought to class each day in a custom-made bag that will be given to each student (free). A record of homework defaulters will be kept, and passed on to parents should their children fail to meet basic expectations.